As a manager, it’s your job to direct your staff so they can get orders out the door, complete projects and keep the company humming along. Sometimes, though, that can be easier said than done. This is especially true when you consider the fact that your team is made up of a diverse group of personalities.

To help you give fair, effective, and direct marching orders – so you and your team can achieve its goals, here are a few tips to consider:

Don’t Leave Room for Assumptions

What exactly is it you want your employees to do? As a leading recruiting agency, Peoplelink can tell you if you’re thinking in very specific terms – and yet not communicating those details with your staff – you’re setting them up for failure and they’re not going to fulfill expectations.

Don’t ever leave room for assumptions. When instructing your team, be as clear as possible. If there are certain steps you need them to take, then explain them. If you want a task completed in a particular way, communicate how. If you want activities done in a specific order, spell it out.

Also, be sure to tell your staff why you want things done in a certain way. If you don’t, they may not fully understand your rationale. Therefore, they won’t be as successful at executing than if they had a clear view of the big picture.

Be Firm, But Polite

Your employees won’t just be listening to what you’re saying; but how you’re saying it. So be mindful of the tone you use – it should be direct and confident – as well as your body language. If you waiver or seem nervous, they’re not going to take you or the situation as seriously.

That said, don’t come across as a bully either. You should always give respect if you want to receive it from your staff.

Answer Questions Your Employees Have

Once you’ve instructed your staff as to what you want them to do, ask if anyone has immediate questions. If not, make yourself available for additional questions as they arise. Your best bet is to keep an open door policy so that your employees know they can come to you anytime or during certain hours with questions or concerns.

Walk the Floor

Once you feel confident your staff understands what they’re supposed to be doing, don’t walk away. Walk the floor. When you do, you’re sending the message to your employees that you’re invested in them and their work. It also keeps you in close contact with what’s going on with them.

At the end of the day, you need to communicate expectations, follow up, and then let your employees do their jobs. As much as you want to hold their hands, it’s time to let go and let them get to work!

Need help hiring for your team? Call Peoplelink. As a leading recruiting agency, we can source, screen, interview and help you hire candidates that are the best fit for your organization.